Setting fitness goals and then keeping them is difficult. You will often find yourself lacking motivation or slowly stopping your workouts. Here at Gym Plus, we are keen to help you achieve your fitness goals by letting you in on some tips on how to set realistic goals. With the right fitness goals in place, you will see significant progress towards your health and wellness.
How to assess your current fitness level
Before you can set realistic goals, you first need to understand your starting point; this includes assessing your current fitness level and finding areas you may need to improve. When evaluating your fitness, you may need to consider the following.
- Body composition: What are your body fat percentage and muscle mass?
- Endurance: How long can you sustain physical activity?
- Strength: How much weight can you lift, and how many repetitions can you do?
- Flexibility: how far can you stretch and bend?
Once you have a better understanding of what your current level is, you can start setting achievable goals that will help you improve.
Setting realistic fitness goals
Find our tips below to help with setting realistic fitness goals:
Be Specific
It can be easy to be vague when it comes to wanting to work out. Saying you want to ‘exercise more’ makes it easier to ignore when it comes around to it. Specify what workout you want to do, whether that is working on your arms in the gym, attending a fitness class, or if you want to specify by saying ‘I want to run three times a week’. Being specific will help with achieving your goals.
Measurable progress
Each goal you make should have a measurable element to it. Whether that is losing a certain amount of weight or increasing how much weight you can lift, being able to see your progress will help with your motivation.
Achievable deadlines
Having achievable deadlines will help with your goals. If you have that you want to lose 10 pounds in 3 months, you know that you have a goal in mind and will stick to it.
Lifestyle
Sometimes you will have other things on that will stop you from achieving your goals. Make sure you plan in advanced to ensure you have time for your fitness.
Having an action plan
Once you have the initial fitness goal you want, it’s time to develop an action plan for reaching these goals. When creating your plan, consider the following:
Workout Routine
Based on your goals, create a workout routine that will help you achieve your desired results. Make sure to include a mix of cardio and strength training, and be sure to stretch before and after your workout.
Eating choices
Eating a balanced diet is crucial to reaching your fitness goals. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, and limit your intake of junk food and sugary drinks.
Sleep routine
Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, as lack of sleep can negatively impact your physical and mental performance.
Flexibility
It’s essential to be flexible and adapt your action plan as needed. Don’t be afraid to make changes if something isn’t working for you, and don’t give up if you encounter roadblocks along the way.
Final thoughts
By setting realistic fitness goals is crucial for your health and well-being. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a plan that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Remember that it is important to start small and gradually build up your routine to avoid burnout and injury. Additionally, tracking your progress and celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and on track towards your ultimate fitness goals. By prioritising your health and committing to a consistent fitness routine, you can achieve a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
